BILL REQ. #:  S-1026.1 

Read first time 01/26/09.   Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

     AN ACT Relating to the property taxation and valuation of standing trees within urban growth area boundaries; and adding a new section to chapter 84.36 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 84.36 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Any standing tree on real property located in an urban growth area boundary is exempt from property taxation, if the taxpayer provided the county assessor documentation on the value of the tree or trees as required in subsection (2) of this section.
     (2) The value of any standing tree or trees must be determined by a certified arborist at the election of, and cost to, the taxpayer.
     (3) If the taxpayer elects to provide documentation, as provided in subsection (2) of this section, on the value of any standing tree or trees on the property to the county assessor, the county assessor must include the exempt value of the standing tree or trees as part of the appraisal and the assessor must continue to reduce the value of the real property within an urban growth area boundary consistent with the exempt value of any standing trees on the property.